DAVAO City – Residents and businesses in Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal, and several municipalities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro provinces are anticipating changes in their power service following the lapse into law of Senate Bill No. 2888 (House Bill No. 11072) over the weekend.
The new legislation will allow the Davao Light and Power Company to extend its services to these areas, which are currently under the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
In a statement Tuesday, the Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) expressed optimism about the development, stating its long-held belief that a stable, reliable, and affordable power supply will enable businesses to thrive and improve the quality of life for residents in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
“The improved power situation will also improve the quality of life of the residents of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro,” the group said.
While acknowledging that the transition will take time, DCM urged Nordeco to collaborate closelywith Davao Light, prioritizing the welfare of consumers during the process.
Davao Light also welcomed the development, although it stated in a message on Tuesday that it has yet to receive official communication regarding the new law.
Fermin Edillon, head of Davao Light’s reputation enhancement department, affirmed the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and affordable electricity across all its service areas, including the soon-to-be-added localities.
Other areas that will transition to DLPC include the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte, as well as the municipalities of Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.
Meanwhile, the Alliance for the People’s Protection of Electricity Consumers (APPEC) voiced its opposition to the new law.
APPEC president Erma Sulpot contended that the law is unconstitutional and that maintaining the existing electric cooperative structure would better serve the interests of countryside and industrial consumers. (PNA)
